Madison Parks ranks #1 in the nation for the number of basketball hoops per resident, come check out the hoops in your neighborhood! Most of the basketball courts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are planning a new league or tournament see Athletic Field Reservations. 

View all Basketball Courts

• Tenney Park - Basketball Court

  Surface: Asphalt
  Lighted: No
  Number of Courts: 1 full
  

• Tenney Park - Basketball Court

  Surface: Asphalt
  Lighted: No
  Number of Courts: 1 half
  

Rent an electric bike from stations around town. Madison BCycle is a bike-sharing program with stations around Madison. For real-time locations and availability, please visit Madison BCycle.  View all Madison Parks B-cycle Stations

Sunrise or sunset? Take in some of the best views in town at one of the many beaches!

Water quality testing is performed Memorial Day through Labor Day by Public Health Madison & Dane County. If the water quality is not suitable for swimming, a scheduled lifeguard will not be on duty. Restrooms at beach locations are open only when a lifeguard is on duty. See schedule below.

See RESTROOMS to view all open locations. 

View all Beaches

• Tenney Beach

  Public Health Water Testing:

  Closed

  Address: 1330 Sherman Ave.
  Restroom: Yes
  Drinking Water: Yes
  Parking: Parking Lot
  Amenities: Picnic Tables, Playground, Volleyball
  
  Swim Ropes: Yes
  Lifeguard: No
  
  Tenney Beach Details

PIER REMOVAL UPDATE (12/03/2021)
All remaining piers are scheduled to be removed December 6-7, weather permitting.

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ACCESS THE LAKES!

Surrounded by more than 15,000 acres of lakes, accessing the water is easy in Madison and surrounding communities with your Lake Access Permit.  A daily or annual permit is required year-round at designated sites to launch a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV (see locations below). Piers are available spring through fall. Installation and removal are dependent on the weather and lake conditions.  

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LAKE ACCESS PERMIT (Ordinance 8.215):

• A daily or annual permit is required year-round to launch a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV.
• Purchase permit ONLINE or by calling during regular office hours. Onsite kiosks are not available. 
• The permit is valid for the issue year through March 31 of the following year.
• Permits for the following year may be purchased starting November 15 of the previous year. 
• The permit should be displayed on the inside driver's side windshield. 

• LAKE MONONA: Law, Olbrich, Olin 
• LAKE MENDOTA: Marshall, Spring Harbor, Tenney, Warner

2022 Fees

Daily	$8
Dane County Resident Annual	$40
Nonresident Annual	$50
Dane County Senior (65+)	$21
Nonresident Senior (65+)	$28
Disabled	$21
Duplicate/Replacement	$18

LAUNCH AREA PARKING RULES AND TIPS (Ordinance 8.16):

• Long stalls are for parking vehicles with trailers only. 
• Regular-size stalls are for parking vehicles with no trailer only. 
• Parking on the grass is prohibited.
• When the launch parking lot is full, you must find an alternative launch site
• Violators are subject to a citation. 

View all Boat Launches

• Tenney Park - Boat Launch

  Lake Access Permit Required: Yes
  
  Notes: 1601 Sherman Ave.

Madison Parks offers various locations to launch a canoe or kayak and is allowed at all of Madison Parks motorboat launch sites. Additionally, the parks listed below have a specially designated area for launch.

If you are looking to store your kayak or canoe in a park, please visit the storage webpage.

James Madison Park pier update (as of 03/23/2021): The pier at James Madison Parks sustained significant damage during the flood of 2018 and was removed as a result. Due to FEMA regulations and approvals, the replacement of this pier is delayed. Unfortunately, we still do not have a timeline for its replacement.  View all Canoe & Kayak Launch Sites

Interested in getting out on one of Madison's lakes but you don't have your own watercraft? No problem! We have partners at locations throughout the city offering these great lake amenities!

View all Canoe & Kayak Rental

• Madison School & Community Recreation

  Telephone: (608) 204-4581
  More Information: Madison School & Community Recreation
  Notes: Available: pontoons

Watercraft Storage Spaces 

Explore Madison's beautiful lakes, rivers, and creeks by paddle and store your canoe, kayak or paddleboard on the shores of your favorite park. All storage racks are outdoors and uncovered. The annual storage period begins each year on April 1 and ends on March 31 of the following year.
 
How to Reserve:

• You may be placed on our waitlist at no charge by calling (608) 266-4711 or EMAIL. 
• Current users will be able to renew their watercraft storage beginning in late winter/early spring each year and must renew by April 1.
• As spaces become available, those on the waitlist will be contacted after April 1 and given the opportunity to reserve a space.  

2022 Storage costs (tax included):
Watercraft storage rules include:

• Watercraft must not exceed 80 pounds, 18' length, 42" width or 24" height.
• Storage is for permitted watercraft only. No personal property.
• Only one watercraft is allowed in each space.
• Watercraft must be secured to the boat storage rack. The owner accepts all liability for theft or damage to their property.
• Parks Staff reserves the right to cut any lock and remove any watercraft, under any condition it deems necessary for the function of the boat storage program.
• See agreement for complete rules.

If you believe your watercraft has been stolen or removed by Parks staff: Call a Park Ranger to report at (608) 235-0448.

Additional storage may be available at the following:

• Brittingham Park: Brittingham Boats 608-250-2555
• Olbrich Park: Rutabaga Paddlesports 608-513-1308
• Wingra Park: Wingra Boats 608-233-5332

View all Canoe & Kayak Storage

View all Fishing

Before you step out, check the status of your favorite rink!

• FREE-TO-USE All designated rinks and lagoons are free to use. No reservation is required! 
• CHECK THE STATUS Is the rink open? See the status below.
  • DO NOT skate, walk, or otherwise go on a rink or lagoon until it is declared open. Doing so is not safe and slows the opening process by damaging the ice.
  • While ice is never 100% safe, staff monitors the ice depth to be at least 5" to safely support humans and grooming equipment.
• SKATE RENTALS Elver, Tenney and Vilas, Wednesday - Sunday (when the rink is listed as open)
  • No rentals on Mondays and Tuesdays. No warming shelters or concessions. 
• GIFT CERTIFICATES for ice skate rentals are available. Call (608) 266-4711 to purchase. 
• FREE LOANER SKATES Borrow a pair of ice skates to use while at the rink! Limited quantities are available at Olbrich, Rennebohm, Warner and Westmorland.
• ATTEND a FREE ice skating event. 
  • Groove & Glide
  • Skate Cinema
• LEARN MORE about winter recreation in Madison Parks.
  • Read Your Guide to Ice Skating in Madison Parks 
  • Subscribe to Winter Recreation News

A big thank you to our many volunteers and the ADOPT ICE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM! 

View all Ice Skating

• Tenney Park - Frozen Lagoon

  Location: 402 N. Thornton Ave.
  
  Open
  
  More Information: Skating at Tenney Park - Frozen Lagoon
  

• Tenney Park - Hockey Rink

  Location: 1330 Sherman Ave
  
  Open
  
  More Information: Skating at Tenney Park - Hockey Rink
  

Madison Parks are a unique blend of active recreation and passive recreation spaces.  Open Fields are just that - open, not pre-designed as a softball diamond, or football field.  These open fields are available in these parks to spark your imagination, play a game of tag, or follow the leader - or anything you can think of!  Enjoy your parks!

View all Open Fields

• Tenney Park - Open Field Games

Parking lots are available in these parks for the programs or events in these parks.  Parking lots are available from 4:00 am to 10:00 pm. Overnight parking is not allowed.  Parking regulations specific to that park are posted at the entrance of the park. View all Parking Lots

Garner Park offers Madison's only dedicated pickleball courts, in addition, a number of tennis courts are also lined for pickleball. Learn more about the game and rules adopted by the USA Pickleball Association. 

Pickleball courts may be reserved ONLINE.

View all Pickleball Courts

• Tenney Park - Pickleball Court

  Surface: Asphalt
  Lighted: Yes
  Number of Courts: 2
  
  Notes: Tennis/Pickleball Courts

With more than 175 playgrounds throughout Madison, you are never too far from a playground. According to the Trust for Public Land, Madison ranks #1 in the nation for the number of playgrounds available. The traditional swings and slides are always an option, as are new play elements and fully accessible playgrounds. 

PLAYGROUNDS FOR EVERYONE
Through the Madison Parks Foundation initiative, Madison Parks offers all-inclusive playgrounds in Brittingham Park and Elver Park, opening in 2019.  The Foundation has a goal of 5 fully accessible playgrounds. 

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PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENTS: HOW AND WHEN
Madison Parks is responsible for maintaining more than 175 playgrounds and began a system-wide replacement initiative in 2013. With current staff and funding resources, replacements are scheduled to continue through 2033. Playgrounds are routinely inspected to assess the equipment's conditions and repair any safety concerns. Based on the age of the equipment and current conditions, each is given an audit score. The number of playgrounds replaced each year is based on budget allocations, staffing resources, and using the current playground audit score for prioritization. 

REPLACEMENT PROCESS: NEIGHBORHOOD INPUT
At the start of the replacement process, notices are sent to the District Alder, neighborhood association representatives, and surrounding residential addresses. Information is also posted to the project website. Generally, two public meetings are held to review surfacing and equipment options and make final selections.

If you have questions about a specific playground or see something broken, please let us know. 

View all Playgrounds

• Tenney Park - Playground

• Tenney Park - Playground

Public restrooms are located throughout the park system and in many locations with a reservable shelter. 

Year-Round: Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North, Warner Boat Launch, and Owen Conservation Park have restrooms that are open throughout the year. 

April - October: seasonal restrooms are generally open mid-April through mid-October, from approximately 10am to 8pm daily. The system-wide process to open or close restrooms and drinking fountains takes several weeks. Opening and closing dates are approximate and based on several factors such as the weather, staffing limitations and other unexpected maintenance priorities. 

Winter: Elver, Tenney, and Vilas have open restrooms when the winter recreation amenity of that park is open. Please check Winter Fun for the status of winter recreation at a specific park. Other portable restrooms are also added in a number of popular winter recreation locations. 

 

View all Restrooms

• Tenney Park at John Wall Family Pavilion

  OPEN
  
  Notes: OPEN HOURS* Mon-Fri. 11am to 8pm; Sat. 12-8p; Sun. 12-6p. *hours are approx. and are subject to change.

Reserve a Shelter

Shelter Open Schedule Exceptions:

• Open year-round:
  • Gates of Heaven
  • Highland Manor Park
• Open mid-April through mid-November:
  • John Wall Family Pavilion in Tenney Park
  • Elver Park (enclosed shelter) 
  • Warner Park
  • Olin Park (through October)

Note: 

• Picnic shelters may be reserved online or by calling -OR- if not reserved, are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Day of signage is posted at the shelter.
• Madison Parks does not guarantee absolute privacy to any group.  Your reservation will reserve only the facility you are using, not the entire park or other facilities within the park. If you are interested in reserving the entire park, please visit Special Events.
• Alcohol is permitted in most Madison Parks. Glass is never allowed. There are a handful of alcohol-free parks. In these locations, if you would like to bring alcohol, you will need an alcohol permit, which may be obtained when placing your reservation. An alcohol permit, without a reservation, is not given. 
• Public improvements and/or construction may be underway during the time of your reservation.  The City of Madison Parks Division makes every attempt to schedule around events and shelter reservations whenever possible, however, this is not a guarantee.  Please keep in mind improvements to parks and infrastructure continues throughout the year.  Please visit Park Projects for a partial list of major capital improvement projects.
• Firearms or weapons are not permitted at any of the shelters. Violators may be considered trespassers and may be subject to forfeiture or arrest.
• The availability of Gates of Heaven may be checked online however, you will need to call to make your reservation.
• Reservations for the following year begin in November of the proceeding year. 

View all Large Shelters

• Tenney Park at John Wall Family Pavilion

  Address:
  Capacity: Seats 120 people inside/60 outside patio
  Restrooms: In shelter
  Water: Available in shelter
  Parking: Parking lot
  Alcohol-Free Park: Yes – alcohol permit is required.
  
  Shelter Details: Tenney Park at John Wall Family Pavilion

Slacklining or hammocking in a park is allowed following the guidelines below at specific times, on specific trees, and never in a conservation park. Always keep in mind, Park Rangers have the authority to remove or order the removal of any slackline or hammock which they deem as harmful to the tree or as a danger to the safety of park users. The best advice, WHEN IN DOUBT, DON'T.
 

Dos and Don'ts

Tethering to trees for the purpose of slacklining or hammocking is allowed following these guidelines:

• DO: Sunrise to 30 minutes prior to sunset
• DO: Temporary only and may never be left unattended or overnight
• DO: Only on trees greater than 1' in diameter and 4.5'
• DO: Tree protect is used at connection points
• DON'T: Never tether on Oak, Hickory or Birch trees
• DON'T: Never in any conservation park 

For more information, see POLICY & GUIDELINES
 

Proper Tree Protection

Tree protection is required for tethering any equipment to help prevent damage to the tree's bark. Carpet, foam pads or towels make good protection. Make sure the fabric padding completely encircle the tree at the connection points and is a minimum of ¼" thick by 10" wide. For more information and examples, see  TREE PROTECTION
 

Prohibited Trees

Never tether on an oak, hickory or birch tree. When in doubt, don't For more information, see TREE IDENTIFICATION

When in Doubt, Don't 

Park Rangers have the authority to remove or order the removal of any slackline or hammock which they deem as harmful to the tree or as a danger to the safety of park users. 

View all Slacklining and Hammocking

Many of the soccer fields are programmed with youth and adult league play.  If you would like to reserve a field or facility, please call the Athletic Scheduler at 266-4711.  Find out more about Athletic Field Reservations.
 

FIELDS, OPEN OR CLOSED?

The best and ONLY way to know if your field is open for play is to call the Rainout Line (608)267-8787. Weekdays the line will be updated by 2:00pm, weekends and holidays the line will be updated by 9:00am. The line will be updated if fields are questionable, if no update by times listed, fields are open for play.
 

View all Soccer Fields

• Tenney Park - Soccer NW

  Bleachers: No
  Lighted: No
  Setup: Adult
  Type: Game
  

• Tenney Park - Soccer SE

  Bleachers: No
  Lighted: No
  Setup: Adult
  Type: Game
  

Madison Parks has nearly 100 tennis courts.  Most of the tennis courts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. When courts are reserved, at least one must be left available for pick-up play. Please note that all tennis leagues and all tennis instructors must pay for a reservation, no matter the location. Go to: Athletic Field Reservations

Practice Wall Locations
Bordner, Brittingham, Elver, Olbrich, Tenney, Waunona and Westmorland

Shared Pickleball Courts
Brittingham, Door Creek, Elver, Heritage Heights, Kennedy, Nakoma, Norman Clayton, Northland Manor, Richmond Hill, Tenney, Walnut Grove, Waunona, and Westhaven Trails.
 

View all Tennis Courts

• Tenney Park - Tennis Court

  Surface: Asphalt
  Lighted: Yes
  Number of Courts: 2
  
  Notes: Tennis/Pickleball Courts

Most of the volleyball courts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  If you are planning a new league or tournament see Athletic Field Reservations.
 

View all Volleyball Courts

• Tenney Park - Volleyball Court

  Location: By beach
  Surface: Sand
  Lighted: No
  Number of Courts: 1